It actually exists! And looks cool! Matrox issued a press release today, firming up details on the Monarch:

From any HDMI input source such as a camera or switcher, Matrox Monarch HD generates an H.264-encoded stream compliant with RTSP or RTMP protocol. While encoding the video at bitrates suitable for live streaming, Matrox Monarch HD simultaneously records a high-quality MP4 file to an SD card, a USB drive, or a network-mapped drive. Matrox Monarch HD is remotely controlled using any computer or mobile device with a web browser.

For those keeping track, this description dropped UDP from the protocol description and MOV from the possible recording files. Also, it looks different – more buttons! For reference, here’s the old render:

I like the new one better. Pricing and availability will be announced at NAB on April 8th – but you’ve already got a good idea on pricing, right?

That’s right – there’s an HDMI output, as well as analog in and out. I was right. Now it’s still to be seen if the latency on these outputs is low enough to loop through for gaming – but I suspect it will be. And that will make this a really awesome device for livingroom gameplay capture and streaming.